SOLTARA HEALING CENTER

• Q: What is ayahuasca and how does it work?

  A: Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian plant medicine used for hundreds or thousands of years by Indigenous healers. Made from Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaf, it induces altered states of consciousness that facilitate deep emotional, spiritual, and physical healing. In Shipibo tradition, the medicine works through icaros (healing songs) that rebalance energetic patterns in the body, clearing blockages and releasing trauma stored at the cellular level.

• Q: How long do effects last?

  A: Typically 4–6 hours. Effects begin 20–60 minutes after drinking, with gradual tapering. Some subtle effects may continue into morning.

• Q: Will I have visions?

  A: Not everyone experiences visual phenomena. Some have vivid visions, others have primarily emotional or somatic (body-based) experiences, others have deep insights without visuals. Every journey is unique and provides what you need. Healing occurs regardless of whether you “see” anything.

• Q: Is purging necessary?

  A: Very common and occurs in many forms: vomiting, diarrhea, crying, sweating, shaking, yawning. It’s considered positive release of what no longer serves you—cleansing. Not everyone purges in every ceremony, and purging isn’t required for healing.

• Q: Is ayahuasca addictive?

  A: No. The intensity and challenging nature means most approach it with great respect rather than seeking repeated recreational use.

• Q: How many ceremonies are recommended?

  A: Minimum 3 ceremonies (5-night) for meaningful experience. Many find 4–5 ceremonies (7–12 nights) allow deeper work, as medicine works cumulatively.

• Q: Is ayahuasca safe?

  A: When approached with proper screening, preparation, and support, ayahuasca is safe for most healthy individuals. Soltara requires comprehensive medical and psychological screening before approval. We maintain on-site medical infrastructure (first responder 24/7, health clinic, nearby hospital access), collaborate with medical advisors, and staff experienced trauma-informed facilitators. However, certain medical conditions, psychological conditions, and medications are contraindicated. Safety depends on honest disclosure during intake.

About Retreats

• Q: What distinguishes Soltara from other retreat centers?

  A: Soltara bridges ancient Shipibo tradition with modern therapeutic care through:

  Authentic Lineage: Exclusive partnership with 9 Shipibo master healers (12–30+ years training)

  Medical Excellence: Costa Rican Ministry of Health permit, on-site clinic, comprehensive screening

  Year-Long Support: 365 days of integration platform, monthly therapist circles, community

  Small Groups: 20–22 guests maximum with 1:2 healer-to-guest ratio

  Two Pristine Settings: Choose ocean or mountains

  Trauma-Informed Care: Psychotherapists and facilitators understand both ceremonial and clinical aspects

• Q: Who are the Shipibo healers?

  A: Soltara works exclusively with Peruvian Shipibo Maestros and Maestras—master healers with decades of traditional training including rigorous “dietas” (isolation periods with master plants lasting months or years), apprenticeship under elder curanderos, and deep knowledge of icaros (healing songs). The Shipibo are one of 14 Indigenous Amazonian cultures with a time-honored plant spirit shamanism tradition. Their healing uses geometric energy patterns represented through icaros to rebalance the body.

  Meet Our Healing Team: https://www.soltara.co

• Q: What’s the difference between Playa Blanca and Goddess Falls?

  Compare Locations: https://www.soltara.co

• Q: What language is spoken?

  A: English is the primary facilitation language. Shipibo healers speak Shipibo and Spanish; facilitators translate when needed. Spanish helpful but not required.

• Q: What activities are available during downtime?

  A: Morning/pre-ceremony yoga, swimming (pool/ocean at Playa Blanca; natural pools/waterfalls at Goddess Falls), jungle/beach walks, art space, 24/7 maloka access, hammock time, journaling, meditation, fire circles, stargazing, optional bodywork sessions.

• Q: Can I attend alone or should I bring someone?

  A: Both work well. Many attend alone and form deep bonds. Small groups (max 22) create intimacy regardless. Coming with a partner provides built-in support, but everyone’s journey is individual—respect each person’s unique process.

• Q: Can I bring a partner or friend?

  A: Yes! Many guests attend with loved ones. You can book together and request shared accommodations (if booking Private Double options). Each person must complete individual intake and be separately approved. We also offer “Entwined: Community Alignment” program to help loved ones understand and support your journey.

• Q: How many people attend each retreat?

  A: Group sizes are intimate at 20–22 guests maximum, ensuring personalized attention from healers and facilitators, deeper community connection, and a safer ceremonial container.

• Q: Can I skip a ceremony?

  A: Yes. You control your participation. If you feel called to sit out or not drink during a ceremony, discuss with facilitators. Some guests sit in ceremony without drinking, which can also be powerful.

Preparation & Health

• Q: What preparation is required?

  A: Preparation includes dietary restrictions (beginning 4 weeks prior), medication tapering if needed, and mental/emotional preparation through the Community Platform. The dieta honors the sacred tradition and prepares your body to receive the medicine. Full guidelines are provided upon booking and include avoiding: pork (4 weeks), recreational drugs/other psychedelics (4 weeks), red meat (2 weeks), sexual activity (2 weeks), caffeine (1 week), and many other foods.

  Download Preparation Guide: https://www.soltara.co

• Q: I take antidepressants (SSRIs). Can I participate?

  A: Possibly. You’ll need to taper off medication under your doctor’s guidance, typically 2–4 weeks before retreat (some require longer). This must be coordinated during intake with our medical advisors. Never stop prescribed medications without consulting your doctor. Some guests may not be cleared if tapering is medically inadvisable.

• Q: What medical conditions prevent participation?

  A: Ayahuasca is not recommended for: active psychosis or schizophrenia, severe heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, pregnancy/breastfeeding, certain seizure disorders, or those on contraindicated medications (SSRIs, MAOIs, some asthma medications). All conditions are evaluated individually during intake. Soltara considers both medical and energetic/psychological factors in screening decisions.

  View Complete Contraindications List: Contact for details

  Schedule Intake Consultation: https://www.soltara.co/contact

• Q: Can I participate while menstruating?

  A: Yes, menstruation is not a contraindication at Soltara. Bring appropriate supplies.

• Q: Will ayahuasca help my medical condition?

  A: Reported benefits for PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma. However, consult healthcare professionals and our intake specialists regarding specific concerns. Not a guaranteed cure and not appropriate for everyone. Conditions evaluated case-by-case.

• Q: What is integration and why is it important?

  A: Integration means taking the knowledge and lessons learned during your ceremony experience and putting it into practice in your life. At Soltara, there is a strong focus on the integrative work that starts during your retreat and continues, possibly, for the rest of your life. Without it, profound experiences may not create real transformation. Involves: following post-retreat dietary guidelines, mindful action on insights, supportive practices (meditation, yoga, journaling, nature time), potentially working with integration coach, building community, giving yourself patience.

• Q: What integration support is provided?

  A: Extensive support including: year-long Community Platform access via Nectara (monthly integration circles with therapists, guided practices, online courses, community forums, educational content), optional 6-Week Small Group Integration Program, vetted practitioner network for 1-on-1 sessions (separate fee), “The Hero’s Journal” guided integration workbook, personalized integration roadmap, and ongoing Soltara alumni community.

  Learn About Integration Support: https://www.soltara.co

Logistics

• Q: Which airport?

  A: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), San Jose, Costa Rica. International travelers fly to San Jose.

• Q: When should I book flights?

  A: Book flights ONLY after medical clearance and registration confirmation. Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), San Jose. Arrive one day early (highly recommended) and stay at Fairfield Hotel where shuttle picks up. Depart at least one day after retreat ends.

• Q: What’s the typical weather?

  A: Costa Rica has tropical climate year-round. Temperatures typically 70–90°F (21–32°C).

  Rainy season: May–December (bring rain gear)

  Dry season: January–April

  High humidity always.

• Q: How can family contact me in emergency?

  A: Family/friends can contact Soltara via letgo@soltara.co or emergency phone. Provide emergency contacts with our information before departure.

• Q: Are scholarships offered?

  A: Yes!

  BIPOC Scholarship Program (full scholarships)

  Veterans Discount

  General Need-Based Scholarships

  Apply: letgo@soltara.co

• Q: Are payment plans available?

  A: Yes! Contact letgo@soltara.co

• Q: What’s included in the price?

  A: Nearly everything: all ceremonies, meals, accommodations, San Jose transportation, preparation activities (vomitivo, flower baths, yoga), integration workshops, daily yoga/meditation, healer consultations, 24/7 facilitator support, medical screening, venue amenities, year-long Community Platform membership, and housekeeping/laundry.

  Not included: flights, travel insurance, hotel before/after, gratuities, personal purchases.

• Q: Is travel insurance mandatory?

  A: Yes. International travel medical insurance covering your retreat dates is mandatory. Your home country insurance typically doesn’t cover you in Costa Rica. This protects both you and Soltara in medical emergencies.

• Q: What happens in a medical emergency?

  A: Soltara has layered medical support: certified first responder on-site 24/7, on-site health clinic, 24-hour medical facility 15 minutes away, emergency evacuation protocols, and medical advisor consultation available. International travel medical insurance (mandatory) covers emergency care.